Classic Macs in the Intel Age

'Snow Leopard' and the Death of PowerPC Support

- 2008.06.23 - Tip Jar

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It seems a new era of operating systems is on the way, focusing more on stability and performance rather than adding new features.

Microsoft's upcoming Windows 7 (previously Vienna) is said to include only a few new features, primarily focusing on improved stability and speed. Ubuntu 8.10 "Intrepid Ibex" is also said to focus on core stability and better performance.

At WWDC 2008, Apple announced and previewed Mac OS X v10.6 "Snow Leopard", which will, quite unsurprisingly, focus on higher stability and better performance. Apple has given the new feline its own section of Apple's website, which doesn't feature any screenshots, but does give us a sneak peek at the next version of OS X.

Judging from the CD given to developers, one of the requirements to install Snow Leopard is "an Intel processor". This is not good.

First off, this kills a huge number of Macs. Even the most powerful 2006 Power Mac G5 Quad will be unsupported, along with the iMac G5 and Power Mac G4 (Power Macs below 867 MHz have already been abandoned). Aluminum PowerBooks will also dead, as well as iBook G4s.

Quite frankly, when you buy a Mac, you expect it to last and be supported for years to come. Should a Power Mac or iMac G5, which shipped with Tiger, only be compatible with two versions of the Mac OS?

If Snow Leopard is Intel only, will Rosetta be removed? Will Snow Leopard also put an end to PowerPC software?

I can see Apple removing G4 support entirely or limiting it to 1 GHz and faster machines, but G5 support must be maintained.

Apple still has the chance to include PowerPC support. Please do!

If Apple does decide to kill off PowerPC support, what will happen to PowerPC users? I'm sure almost all of you who are reading this article have at least one PowerPC Mac. Will we have to keep using outdated versions of Mac OS X? Or should we instead turn to Linux?

The Linux Option

Yesterday I decided to have a look at what Linux offers PowerPC users, should Snow Leopard be Intel only. I decided to give it a shot on my Dual 533 Digital Audio.

First, I downloaded Ubuntu 8.04 "Hardy Heron". It wouldn't boot.

Next, I downloaded Ubuntu 7.04 "Feisty Fawn". It wouldn't boot.

Then, I downloaded Edubuntu 7.10 "Gutsy Gibbon". It wouldn't boot!

Just before giving up entirely, I downloaded Xubuntu 7.04 "Feisty Fawn". It booted and installed, overwriting Leopard.

Xubuntu was quite speedy on this Mac; however, Firefox took a little while to open even with 1 GB of RAM, and it took a good 3 minutes to boot into the logon screen.

I do find Xubuntu Linux a very interesting alternative to the Mac OS, but it will never be more than an alternative for me. I'm not saying Apple should retain support for obsolete hardware; I'm saying it should retain support for discontinued models - like G5s and perhaps late G4s. And if it will require 64-bit processing power (as some rumors tell), it would even leave out the Core Solo Mac mini!

Microsoft Provides Longer Support

A Macintosh should run Macintosh software, just like a PC should run PC software and a Ford should have a Ford engine. Owners of 2-year-old hardware shouldn't have to turn to free, open-source alternatives. That would be like Microsoft cutting of Vista support the moment Windows 7 is released.

Mac Plus Microsoft still maintains extended support for Windows 2000 - which is a 7-year-old operating system, while Apple apparently won't maintain OS support for a 2005 computer when Snow Leopard ships. Shouldn't Apple be better than Microsoft on this point? The Mac Plus was supported by the Mac OS for over 10 years!

Keeping Linux Around

That being said, Linux is a cool alternative, and I will in fact leave Linux on one hard drive in my Digital Audio, while having Tiger and Mac OS 9.2.2 on another (there's not enough room for Leopard, Xubuntu, and Mac OS 9.2, so I went with Tiger instead).

I'm thinking of setting my Blue & White Power Mac G3) as a Linux only machine, something that could become a column here on Low End Mac.

I am typing this on an eMac; just one of the many machines that will apparently be left behind by Snow Leopard. I believe that PowerPC support must be maintained.

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February 14 in LEM history: 98: A perfect compact Mac - 00: Extended computer warranties worth the cost? - Making your PC work with your Mac - 01: Customize Microsoft Word - 02: Quadra revives a passion for computing - 03: Real world performance - DIY Pismo screen replacement - Best Mac for writing - 03: Fastest browser on the Mac - 06: 15" MacBook Pro - Impressions of a newly acquired Lisa - Finding and using free WiFi - Apple should liberate OS 9 - 07: New Mac mini cheaper than upgrading a Power Mac - 08: Falling in love with OS X
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